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There is more to the modeling world than the media lets on. If you want to find out what it really takes and how to manage your modeling career, then you've come to the right place! This blog is dedicated to the aspiring and already established models who live to defy the standards and stereotypes in order to make a place for themselves in this crazy industry.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Real Male Models Wear Makeup!

(This post is mainly for male model hopefuls that want to pursue the high fashion and editorial market.)

So fellas, you think you want to be a male model? Just as I tell my female aspiring models, it is important to do research and get familiar with what you could be doing as a male model. Most men think, "All right, I get to look all sexy and chiseled, show off my muscles and pose with hot women!"

Ummm, yeah, sure but there is so much more to being a male model than that. Along with perks come the other things that you may not like but come with the territory. For example, most female models dread having to wear next to nothing in freezing temperatures but pretend like they are on a beach in 90 degree weather. For male models, the following are some aspects of the job that you'll have to be cool with if you want to seriously pursue a career in the modeling industry:

- Makeup: You better believe it! Just as women need to wear makeup, so do male models--not all the time and not as much as the female counterparts--but makeup all the same. Now, guys, before you stop reading and throw your idea of being a male model into the trash, give me a chance to clarify. Makeup is a must for both male and female models because it helps you photograph better. Plain and simple. Powder and foundation serve to give your complexion a more uniform appearance and also cuts down on shine, which photographs terribly. It is supposed to make you look better, not like a clown.

Additionally, you'll be working with professional makeup artists that know what they are doing so you're in good hands. So it is a good idea to be comfortable with wearing makeup and not let it make you self conscious. I'm sure you've seen ads where the men even wore eyeliner and maybe even eye shadow and blush but they still looked sexy and masculine. Trust me, if you can pull off the manly look while wearing makeup, you've got nothing to worry about.

- Questionable outfits: If your idea of masculinity is the Marlboro Man, then you'll be sorely disappointed in the outfits you may be asked to wear in your modeling assignments. While some gigs and fashion shows will let you sport jeans, comfy shoes and tank tops (or shirtless) and other everyday types of clothes, you may also be asked to wear outfits that you would normally never touch with a 10-foot pole.

This could include fishnet shirts, long wraps/skirts (believe me, I've seen it on runways!), speedo type underwear, jewelry, plastic, etc. Whatever the designer or client wants, you'll have to do it if you want to work and get paid. Sometimes male models are required to look slightly feminine in appearance. If this makes you really uncomfortable, then chances are you may not be cut out to do high fashion modeling.

- Having people within your comfort zone: Models are commodities...that means you are basically told what to do, when to do it and how to do it. Have problems with authority or don't like following rules? Then sadly, male modeling is not for you. Being in this industry is all about working with different types of people, from your agent/booker and other models to the client, photographer, wardrobe stylist and other crew members. You'll have to take direction, criticism and everything in between.

Not only that, while on shoots, you'll have to get used to people fussing over you: doing your hair, putting makeup on, helping you get dressed, etc. During fashion shows, you'll have to deal with the same thing but also the insane rush to dress and get undressed--additionally, you'll have to be comfortable with changing and oftentimes being naked at some point in front of other male models and even female models. Shyness is not a requirement in the industry.

- Living in model dorms: High fashion and editorial male models are required to travel for work, both locally, nationally and internationally. This involves living in model dorms with other male models. The facilities can range from a comfortable apartment or loft to teeny tiny living spaces. When traveling internationally, it isn't uncommon for a group of male models to share a living space with only 2 beds.

When you are working in your local market, you may be required to live full time in model housing where you are responsible for cleaning up, maintaining the facilities, grocery shopping, etc. while going to and from castings and jobs. Like the reality shows, sometimes things can get ugly when you're cramped into a space with a bunch of people you don't know. Some male models end up making lasting friendships with their follow coworkers, while others would rather leave and never look back.

Still not sure if you want to really be a male model in the high fashion/editorial market? Take a look at the following images:

If your first thought was, "I would never be caught dead in that/posing like that" or the more crude response, "That's so gay," then I would say you probably don't want to be a male model in the high fashion/editorial market, nor would I recommend it for you. However, if you don't see such images as being a big deal and totally feel you could rock the same pose, outfit, etc. then I'm happy to say you have the right mindset to pursue becoming a male model in this market.

Regardless of whether you go for it or not, remember that modeling (no matter the gender) is easier than it looks. Don't judge unfairly and be respectful of the time, dedication and hard work it takes to make it to the top as a male model. Remember, male supermodels are small in number and the grind it takes to be successful is a difficult one.

Oh, and before you think that a male model looks "so gay" in a magazine or strutting down the catwalk in a questionable outfit, they make a pretty nice paycheck at the end of the day--that should put things in perspective for you.

id rock some speedos for six figures. male modleing is NOT gay, its more gay to dress out in a mens lockerroom without a paycheck. the only reason people hate is because male modeling is the hardest job ever, unless they were born with the genetics, and they get jealouse.

Awesome article :) Ahha, I'm only 15, and my fashion sense is considerably better then those of my peers, so being called gay by the occasional redneck/bogan is no problem :L I can't think of anything I'd love to do more than male modelling though. Maybe fashion designing, but I'm not sure I'm artistic enough.

really awsome artical.....full of wow factor from cap a pieeeeee''....nw i am feeling that i have the right of dreaming my career in glamour world..my dressing sense is up to the mark as per all..but i need some guide who can enlighten my success path......wud u hlp me???

Becoming a male model seems like it would be exciting. I'm presently 32, 5'11", with about a 38 inch chest. Would it be recommended that I get up to at least a 40 inch chest size before seriously considering finding an agency to consider working with? Merry Christmas by the way!

Where would you recommend a male model to start? Where I live there are a lot of Modeling scams it's gotten pretty difficult to find any authentic agencies. And is it required to have a ripped and chiseled body? Cause I definitely do not have that, but I'm not fat.

Hi! I have been aspiring to become a male model for a while and I think I have what it takes but I just feel like there would be a problem because I have a bit of acne on my face(very minimal. like 2 or 3 noticeable ones). Is it a problem because my face isn't crystal clear like these other male models? Also my body isn't completely hairless like theirs either. I have a bit of chest hair and stomach hair(again, very minimal). Would an agency turn me down because of these things? my body is very athletic built and I am lean and 6'0 feet tall.

Even at sixty-one, I am wearing a full compliment of makeup (even when I am NOT doing a thing other than grocery shopping or aimlessly wandering around a mall). The women seem to love it as compared to when I did NOT wear a thing, and though socially unacceptable in some venues, I am long since past being dismayed by negative comments and 'the like'. If they can't handle it or are so opinionated they have to vocally express themselves as to your appearance, great! It brings the attention to me, and I dig it! hahah! The wife divorced me for "DARING" to wear makeup (no matter how little), and that was the best thing that has ever happened in my life. Freedom! I've been "rocking the look" thanks to The Magic of Makeup since February of 1990, after retiring from The US Navy. I'm as straight-laced as men come and have not found it detrimental but advantageous with regard to landing a contract. However, what other men find preferable is none of my business ...and I do not judge anyone. Therewith, I would encourage those who can find their place in modeling to do so (or have a MUA fix you up for a portfolio shoot), go where there are "scenes" and demand, and also "rock the look" while being paid handsomely for doing so. Works for this old poop (I do not appear to be my age but perhaps 15 years younger)?....so it can work for you I'm sure. Cool site here! Cheers!

About Me

This blog has come a long way since I started it in 2007! After more than 15 years in the modeling industry I have grown to be just as passionate about helping others get into modeling as I am about working in the industry itself. This blog will provide new, aspiring and established models words of wisdom, helpful tips, resources, advice, information and insight into the modeling world that not many people care to take the time to share. I believe we all should pursue our dreams--even if they end up not being the right fit. In addition to this blog I am also a model mentor and hope to begin traveling to do meet and greets with my readers and fans. If you want to set up a meet and greet, need advice for your own situation or want to request a topic for me to write about, please shoot me an email.